Rite of passage: November 21, 2009
5 points we want to emphasize that concern the change not just from boy to man but from boy to becoming a Man of God.
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1) Salvation: Secure your place in eternity and develop your relationship with Jesus daily
I John 5:11-13
2) Scripture: This is where the answers are – use it early and often.
II Timothy 3:16
3) Accountability: Surround yourself with Godly men of integrity
James 5:16
4) Leadership: God designed men to lead. True leadership means "others first"
Philippians 2:5-8
5) Growing Up: Discard the frivolity of youth. Replace it with the mantle of self-discipline and responsibility.
I Corinthians 13:11
-------------------Card-----------------------------------
1) Salvation: Success on the journey means starting at square one. Securing our place in eternity as well as a personal relationship with Jesus Christ has to be the first step.
2) Scripture: The solution to every problem in life can be found within the Word of God. Go to it early and go to if often. Read it, study it and implement its instructions into your daily life.
3) Men: No man is an island and to successfully get through this life you will need to surround yourself with men of integrity. They will be the ones that you trust to rebuke, encourage, correct and instruct you according to God's Word. Every man should have a Timothy and a Barnabas – someone he is teaching (Timothy) and someone he can look to for guidance (Barnabas). Mentoring should last a lifetime.
4) Leadership: God designed men to be leaders. The key to leadership is realizing that the first step is serving others.
5) Childish things: Growing up means replacing the frivolity of youth with the mantle of responsibility. Accept that the carefree days of childhood are going to be replaced by the self discipline that is gained through dependence on God.
Each of the guys (Chaz / Jeff) will go through four "trials" that signify the transition. A gift will be given at the completion of each trial. The entire event should take 30 minutes to an hour and will involve everybody present – kids and adults. The entire event is meant to affirm each boy by providing a memorable experience that will be more than just a short message that is quickly forgotten.
Gifts:
1) One Year Bible (Cost: $10) (Possibly signed by all the leaders)
2) Journal (Cost:$5-$10) (To encourage the habit of recording what God reveals to them daily though quiet time in the Word)
3) Letters (Cost: $0) (Contact each mother and ask for 3-5 family members that know them well to write a letter concerning their character and advice about the responsibilities of what lay ahead. Also, have 3-5 mentors write letters.)
4) Laminated Card for wallet (Cost: ? ) (This will list the 5 points above and possibly some key scripture.)
The Beginning: (#1)
The event will start at the end of dinner and will not be formally announced. It will begin with a staged "Choking" where one of the leaders will perform the Heimlich. This is to vividly illustrate point # 1. (Which will not be addressed until the end of the event.)
Voices: (#3)
This activity to take place in the area south of the campsite (where the larger pond is). Jeff and Chaz will both be blindfolded and each will be assigned a Timothy and a Barnabas. The goal will be to travel all the way from one end of the woods to the other (East to West) using only the voices of their Timothy and Barnabas to guide them. The catch is that everyone else will be instructed to shout out directions that will be meant to confuse them. The point here is to reinforce with the guys that they will experience many people telling them what to do and giving them advice. They need to be able to recognize the voice of truth and not get distracted from reaching the goal. The goal at the end of path will be their Bible. It will be wrapped up and they will not be able to open it until all 4 activities are accomplished.
Scripture: (#2)
This activity will take place in the field where we played capture the flag and manhunt. This will be like an easter egg hunt. Chaz and Jeff will choose teams and will then assign everybody an area to search. Hidden throughout the field will be 20 golf balls – 10 for each guy. 10 will have Chaz's name and a scripture reference and 10 will have Jeff's name and a scripture reference. They are only allowed to collect the ones with their name on it. (Gary and I will hide the golf ball while everyone is starting dinner.) Multiple goals here: Show off their leadership skills / Illustrate the need to search for scripture (The golf balls will be used later in the ceremony) / Illustrate that learning to go to other men for help will help lighten the load. Once all 10 golf balls are collected, the journal will be presented. It will be wrapped and they will not be allowed to open it until all 4 activities are accomplished.
Servant: (#4)
Now we start to really explain what is going on. You just used your leadership to accomplish the last task, but true leadership begins with becoming a servant. Line up everybody in two rows facing each other. Tell Chaz / Jeff that just as Jesus washed the disciples feet, they need to wash feet until their "Servants heart is revealed". They will be given a bar of soap, dry dish towel and a basin of water. The trick here is that a key has been hidden inside each bar of soap – it will not be revealed until they wear down the soap with enough washing. The key will unlock a box that will contain the letters that their family and the mentors have written. These will be wrapped and set aside until the next activity is complete.
Campfire / Childish Things (#5)
Now we head the the campfire and circle up. Set each guy on the right and left of whoever will be speaking at this point. As each activity of the nite is explained, give them the gift. Let them know that the choking was meant to illustrate the need for Salvation. Give an invitation.
Explain the point of "Voices" (see above). Emphasize the importance of choosing the right friends and not letting pride keep them from seeking the help of others. Remind them about Jesus/Disciples & Daniel and his three friends. (The strength they derived from their "Gang" allowed them be able to choose to obey God even though they were 500 miles from home with no one to keep them accountable.) Hand them the Bible and as they are opening it, remind them of the need to dig into the word daily. Recite Psalm 119:9 – How does a young man stay pure. Show them that We can only obey Gods commands if we know what they are. We can only know what they are if we are reading the Word.
At this point, hand them the journal. Explain that as they come across Gods commands, they should write them down so they can have them readily available. Explain that the kings were required to hand write their own copy of the law. Tell them that they should write down anything that stands out when they do their daily devotions. (Explain Tassals?)
Go over the servants heart with them. Explain why Jesus did what He did. Tell them how it applies to them whether leading their family, dealing with friends and even in the workplace.
Now, have them get the journal and the golf balls out. Instruct them to write down the 10 verse references on the front page of the journal. (They will swap the golf balls later so they each get all 20 verses.)
When they are done doing this, recite the Childish things verse. Have them turn to the second page in the journal and write down 5-10 (or more) immature things that defined them as children instead of adults. When they are each done, have them rip that page out of the journal and throw it into the fire. Explain the significance of leaving childhood behind and accepting the responsibility that lies before them.
At this point have them each stand up and have all the leaders come forward. 2 to 3 of the men should have a short prayer of blessing prepared and we will lay hands on them and pray over them. Invite anyone who would like to pray also.
Wrap it up by reading the laminated card to everyone and presenting them each with one. Give each of them their letters.
(Might want to provide a place in the barn or the shop where they can be by themselves to read the letters. (Possibly while everyone else is going to bed since the kids will probably want to play manhunt or something else when the event is finished.))
5 points we want to emphasize that concern the change not just from boy to man but from boy to becoming a Man of God.
-------------------Card-----------------------------------
1) Salvation: Secure your place in eternity and develop your relationship with Jesus daily
I John 5:11-13
2) Scripture: This is where the answers are – use it early and often.
II Timothy 3:16
3) Accountability: Surround yourself with Godly men of integrity
James 5:16
4) Leadership: God designed men to lead. True leadership means "others first"
Philippians 2:5-8
5) Growing Up: Discard the frivolity of youth. Replace it with the mantle of self-discipline and responsibility.
I Corinthians 13:11
-------------------Card-----------------------------------
1) Salvation: Success on the journey means starting at square one. Securing our place in eternity as well as a personal relationship with Jesus Christ has to be the first step.
2) Scripture: The solution to every problem in life can be found within the Word of God. Go to it early and go to if often. Read it, study it and implement its instructions into your daily life.
3) Men: No man is an island and to successfully get through this life you will need to surround yourself with men of integrity. They will be the ones that you trust to rebuke, encourage, correct and instruct you according to God's Word. Every man should have a Timothy and a Barnabas – someone he is teaching (Timothy) and someone he can look to for guidance (Barnabas). Mentoring should last a lifetime.
4) Leadership: God designed men to be leaders. The key to leadership is realizing that the first step is serving others.
5) Childish things: Growing up means replacing the frivolity of youth with the mantle of responsibility. Accept that the carefree days of childhood are going to be replaced by the self discipline that is gained through dependence on God.
Each of the guys (Chaz / Jeff) will go through four "trials" that signify the transition. A gift will be given at the completion of each trial. The entire event should take 30 minutes to an hour and will involve everybody present – kids and adults. The entire event is meant to affirm each boy by providing a memorable experience that will be more than just a short message that is quickly forgotten.
Gifts:
1) One Year Bible (Cost: $10) (Possibly signed by all the leaders)
2) Journal (Cost:$5-$10) (To encourage the habit of recording what God reveals to them daily though quiet time in the Word)
3) Letters (Cost: $0) (Contact each mother and ask for 3-5 family members that know them well to write a letter concerning their character and advice about the responsibilities of what lay ahead. Also, have 3-5 mentors write letters.)
4) Laminated Card for wallet (Cost: ? ) (This will list the 5 points above and possibly some key scripture.)
The Beginning: (#1)
The event will start at the end of dinner and will not be formally announced. It will begin with a staged "Choking" where one of the leaders will perform the Heimlich. This is to vividly illustrate point # 1. (Which will not be addressed until the end of the event.)
Voices: (#3)
This activity to take place in the area south of the campsite (where the larger pond is). Jeff and Chaz will both be blindfolded and each will be assigned a Timothy and a Barnabas. The goal will be to travel all the way from one end of the woods to the other (East to West) using only the voices of their Timothy and Barnabas to guide them. The catch is that everyone else will be instructed to shout out directions that will be meant to confuse them. The point here is to reinforce with the guys that they will experience many people telling them what to do and giving them advice. They need to be able to recognize the voice of truth and not get distracted from reaching the goal. The goal at the end of path will be their Bible. It will be wrapped up and they will not be able to open it until all 4 activities are accomplished.
Scripture: (#2)
This activity will take place in the field where we played capture the flag and manhunt. This will be like an easter egg hunt. Chaz and Jeff will choose teams and will then assign everybody an area to search. Hidden throughout the field will be 20 golf balls – 10 for each guy. 10 will have Chaz's name and a scripture reference and 10 will have Jeff's name and a scripture reference. They are only allowed to collect the ones with their name on it. (Gary and I will hide the golf ball while everyone is starting dinner.) Multiple goals here: Show off their leadership skills / Illustrate the need to search for scripture (The golf balls will be used later in the ceremony) / Illustrate that learning to go to other men for help will help lighten the load. Once all 10 golf balls are collected, the journal will be presented. It will be wrapped and they will not be allowed to open it until all 4 activities are accomplished.
Servant: (#4)
Now we start to really explain what is going on. You just used your leadership to accomplish the last task, but true leadership begins with becoming a servant. Line up everybody in two rows facing each other. Tell Chaz / Jeff that just as Jesus washed the disciples feet, they need to wash feet until their "Servants heart is revealed". They will be given a bar of soap, dry dish towel and a basin of water. The trick here is that a key has been hidden inside each bar of soap – it will not be revealed until they wear down the soap with enough washing. The key will unlock a box that will contain the letters that their family and the mentors have written. These will be wrapped and set aside until the next activity is complete.
Campfire / Childish Things (#5)
Now we head the the campfire and circle up. Set each guy on the right and left of whoever will be speaking at this point. As each activity of the nite is explained, give them the gift. Let them know that the choking was meant to illustrate the need for Salvation. Give an invitation.
Explain the point of "Voices" (see above). Emphasize the importance of choosing the right friends and not letting pride keep them from seeking the help of others. Remind them about Jesus/Disciples & Daniel and his three friends. (The strength they derived from their "Gang" allowed them be able to choose to obey God even though they were 500 miles from home with no one to keep them accountable.) Hand them the Bible and as they are opening it, remind them of the need to dig into the word daily. Recite Psalm 119:9 – How does a young man stay pure. Show them that We can only obey Gods commands if we know what they are. We can only know what they are if we are reading the Word.
At this point, hand them the journal. Explain that as they come across Gods commands, they should write them down so they can have them readily available. Explain that the kings were required to hand write their own copy of the law. Tell them that they should write down anything that stands out when they do their daily devotions. (Explain Tassals?)
Go over the servants heart with them. Explain why Jesus did what He did. Tell them how it applies to them whether leading their family, dealing with friends and even in the workplace.
Now, have them get the journal and the golf balls out. Instruct them to write down the 10 verse references on the front page of the journal. (They will swap the golf balls later so they each get all 20 verses.)
When they are done doing this, recite the Childish things verse. Have them turn to the second page in the journal and write down 5-10 (or more) immature things that defined them as children instead of adults. When they are each done, have them rip that page out of the journal and throw it into the fire. Explain the significance of leaving childhood behind and accepting the responsibility that lies before them.
At this point have them each stand up and have all the leaders come forward. 2 to 3 of the men should have a short prayer of blessing prepared and we will lay hands on them and pray over them. Invite anyone who would like to pray also.
Wrap it up by reading the laminated card to everyone and presenting them each with one. Give each of them their letters.
(Might want to provide a place in the barn or the shop where they can be by themselves to read the letters. (Possibly while everyone else is going to bed since the kids will probably want to play manhunt or something else when the event is finished.))
| bri-deepening_outline_vv.doc |
| jeff.doc |
| chaz.doc |
| pridehumility_dropadd.doc |
